Thursday, March 26, 2009

Mommy's little yarn snatcher has been at it again! I don't know how I manage to get anything made with my little "helper" always making a mess of my yarn! :) It's hard to scold her though when she's so cute and having so much fun.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

To celebrate, I gave away 2 free pairs of my flower petal Mary Jane booties...one to a lucky Etsy shopper from Kansas and another to a lady from Arizona. I plan to do several more customer appreciation giveaways in the days ahead. :)

I also figured it was time I got a professional banner for my Etsy shop, so am having one custom made by a talented graphic designer... check her out at http://www.swiekysiggies.etsy.com/

In another exciting development, you may soon be able to find my crochet patterns in the craft section of a book store near you. It's still in the discussion phase with the publisher, but is looking promising. :)

Friday, March 20, 2009

Well, I spoke too soon...several more custom orders have come in since my last post and so my fingers will be busy again! A few design ideas will also have to be put on hold...

I bought a really cute doll for Holland today from http://www.tiddlywinks.etsy.com/. She's an awake/asleep girly. One side is awake (yellow), then flip her over and she's asleep (in striped pjs). I'm of course thinking..."Wouldn't a crocheted doll like this be cute!"

The shop is also having a bit of a "buy one, get one free" sale so I also got this little cutie...which we may pass on to a little friend.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Ah...finally, I've completed all of my "made-to-order" projects and can relax for a minute. :)

These moments seem to be more rare lately so I'm enjoying it!

This morning I finished a custom bridal shrug. It is made using Stella brand bamboo yarn in cream, which is so wonderfully lightweight, stretchy and soft...perfect for making a shrug. The pattern is basically an enlarged, adult version of my Victorian Baby Jacket/Shrug pattern which I sell in my Etsy shop.

Friday, March 13, 2009

I made these cute shoes for Holland today based on a photo of some crocheted shoes that were being sold on a website for RRP $34.99. A "crochet-friend" asked me to decipher the pattern for her, so I had to make a pair in the process.

The upper is crocheted using sportweight (8 ply) cotton and the soles are made of brown suede sherpa fleece which I bought from an Etsy supply shop, http://www.jewelluludesigns.etsy.com/.

I've never made crocheted shoes with fabric soles before, so I think this little project will undoubtedly lead to some new designs!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

I was right...my husband took me out for dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Holland came too...we like taking her with us rather than getting a baby sitter because she's such a good girl in restaurants and we really enjoy her company. :)

We went to a place we really love called Basalt located in Howick, about a 30 minute drive from us http://www.basalt.co.nz/ :) If you're ever in Howick...we recommend it.

Speaking of Howick...interesting thing...there is another restaurant nearby called "Wisconsin Burger." http://www.burgerwisconsin.co.nz/ Now, being a Wisconsin girl myself, the fact that there is this burger chain in New Zealand called "Wisconsin Burger" which displays a big story about how hamburgers were apparently invented in Wisconsin...I can't help but wonder...

1) Why don't weWisconsinites know this?2) Why don't we have a chain called "Wisconsin Burger" in Wisconsin of all places??

The restaurant has amazing, huge gormet hamburgers...which I would also highly recommend. :)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Today is our 2nd wedding anniversary and I think my hubby has something up his sleeve for tonight, but I have no idea what and am pretending not to be aware that he's got something planned. Anyhow, I don't think I'll be cooking dinner tonight...and I should probably be all dressed up when he gets home, but it's just a feeling I have. :)So, it's a lovely, sunny day here...summer is coming to an end in New Zealand, but the cooler temps feel really great after all the hot weather we've had. Last night we went "to the shops" as they say down here :) and Holland wore her new brown fall jacket and her calendar baby bear hat and looked just like a cute, cuddly teddy bear. So adorable! :)I have designed another ballet flats pattern today. The baby version will surely follow shortly. My friend Janis calls me the "shoe queen" or "Amelda" now. :)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Yesterday I designed the adult version of my pretty pleated Mary Jane baby shoes. I had been planning to do this for a while, but hadn't...until someone on Ravelry requested the pattern. :)

Besides the pleats at the toe, on the adult version, I added a few pleats at the heel also which makes these fit so nice and snug on your feet!

I've got a few custom orders for baby shoes to finish...and when I do, I'll finally have time to make the other slipper to match this one. Sometimes I think my daughter must wonder, "Why is mommy wearing only one slipper?" :)

Friday, March 6, 2009

My parents are celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary at the end of this month. They've been married 50 years longer than my husband and I. What a beautiful accomplisment for them--they've had 52 very happy years together!

Yesterday I ordered a large bouquet of white orchids for them. My mom carried orchids for her wedding bouquet all those years ago...in 1957. :)

Sunday, March 1, 2009

"Kids can be the rock in any parent's life. They love you unconditionally and never fail to bring a smile to your face each and every day. So in return you can outfit the kid in your life with these fabulous handmade finds. "

For my part, I'd say...teach your kids to work hard, be creative and enjoy making things with their own hands! Get them involved in crafts and hobbies. I was taught the basics of crochet around age 5 and taught to make gifts for other people...like a potholder for my kindergarten teacher, a baby blanket for the school bus driver, etc. :)